Sean Strickland slams journalist after criticism for change in stance: 'MMA bloodsucker'

Strickland threatens Chimaev at the UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Sean Strickland He showed that he still has a sharp tongue even after regaining the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg). The American defeated Khamzat Shimaev No. UFC 328 In a duel marked by provocations and controversies, despite the tense atmosphere, the new champion surprised everyone by apologizing to his rival in the octagon for his behavior, an action that ended up generating criticism from journalist Ariel Helwani.

During an episode of his show, Helwani harshly questioned the fighter's stance, calling the change in attitude contradictory and criticizing Strickland for crossing the line with his provocations before the fight.

“That’s the biggest pile of bullshit I’ve ever heard. That’s fraud. That’s cowardly bullshit. You can’t back down on that. You called Khamzat’s mother a whore! That tells me you’re not who you say you are. You’re a walking contradiction,” said Ariel Helwani.

The response came quickly on social media. Strickland countered the journalist with direct attacks, stating that he never respected him and criticizing his stance in covering the sport. The champion also reflected on the confrontation with Chimaev, acknowledging that both exaggerated their statements motivated by hatred and anger, but highlighted that, after the fight, respect was earned inside the octagon, something that, according to him, Helwani would not be able to understand.

“That’s why I don’t do media with him. You’re a leech that I never respected. The moment I met this man, I knew his quality. At the end of the day, the hatred between us was real, what he said about me was wrong, what I said about him was wrong. That’s what hatred and anger do to people and it may still be there, but we earned each other’s respect through blood and I never expected a man of his quality to understand that. You are and always will be a pathetic MMA leech who has done nothing but criticize men who are better than you,” he replied. Sean Strickland.

This is why I don't do media with him. You are a leech who I've never respected. The moment I met this man I knew his quality. End of the day the hatred between was real, what he said about me was wrong, what I said about him was wrong. This what hate and anger does to people and…

Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) May 11, 2026